Josslyn Owleye to host ‘cuddle party’ in Geelong

A special kind of party promoting platonic touch is seeking to address loneliness in the community.

Certified trauma therapist and somatic sexologist Josslyn Owleye. Picture: Alan Barber

A Geelong therapist is hosting her first “cuddle party” for people to enjoy platonic touch.

Organiser and facilitator, certified trauma therapist and somatic sexologist Josslyn Owleye, said she was running the event to address social isolation and bring more connection, care and community to the region.

Ms Owleye said while touch was a basic human need, few people experienced a healthy amount of loving, safe touch in their daily lives.

“We know human beings are hardwired for connections and we need physical touch,” she said.

“If you don’t have young children or a partner, where are you getting those needs met?”

The 44-year-old North Geelong woman said cuddle gatherings provided an opportunity to connect with oneself and others in a safe, facilitator-led space.

“Cuddle gatherings teach skills in communication, embodied consent, relaxation and somatic awareness,” she said.

“Hopefully people will come away … less lonely and isolated.”

Ms Owleye has worked with survivors of sexual assault and family violence, and said she had seen first-hand the unhealthy relationship people could develop with touch.

Ms Owleye said the workshop would begin with an opening circle where everyone would set agreements and intentions, followed by a grounding exercise.

“We’ll have a few rounds of practising embodied consent and communication through some fun games,” she said.

Ms Owleye said that formal introduction and brief teaching finished people would begin the cuddle gathering with hugging or holding hands or other forms of platonic, safe touch.

She said all touch would be optional, consensual and non sexual.

The event, an “inclusive” space for adults, will be held at Good Folk Yoga in Myers St, Geelong from 11.15am to 2pm on September 22.

It has a capacity for 15 adults and tickets are $35 and available through Humanatix.

Originally published as Josslyn Owleye to host ‘cuddle party’ in Geelong